DefenceTalkNew Zealand will boost defense spending from $318 million to $583 million in fiscal 2013 thanks to a payback from austerity measures. “In the year to July 2013 the (military) will deliver $190 million in savings after achieving $140 million in the year prior,” New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman said. “These savings free up […]https://www.defencetalk.com/new-zealand-beefs-up-defense-spending-47901/

DefenceTalkThe US Defense Department has decided to stop buying EADS Lakota helicopters for the Army next year, according to the head of the European aerospace’s US-based unit. “The Lakota is built by a highly skilled workforce, more than half of which are military veterans, at my company’s Columbus, Mississippi, helicopter production facility,” Sean O’Keefe, chairman […]https://www.defencetalk.com/eads-says-pentagon-ending-helicopter-program-47765/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Department worked closely with other federal agencies in support of the National Security Staff effort that generated the National Strategy for the Arctic Region released today, a senior Pentagon official said. Daniel Y. Chiu, deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, said the strategy establishes a framework for future U.S. Arctic activities based […]https://www.defencetalk.com/official-explains-dods-role-in-national-arctic-strategy-47752/

DefenceTalkNATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warned today that further cuts in defense spending by European nations risk reducing the continent’s defense and security to “hot air,” turning the alliance into what he called a “global spectator” rather than a real force on the world stage. “The only way to avoid this is by holding […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-secretary-general-warns-europe-on-defense-cuts-47710/

DefenceTalkThe long-term interests of the defense industry and the Defense Department are aligned, Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter said during a May 3 awards ceremony in McLean, Va. At the ceremony, Carter received the Eisenhower Award from the National Defense Industrial Association. The award recognizes leadership and strategic impact at the highest levels of national […]https://www.defencetalk.com/carter-defense-industry-interests-align-with-those-of-dod-47708/

DefenceTalkSenior Defense Department officials testified yesterday before Congress highlighting the activities the department has undertaken to save an estimated $1 billion and provide a balanced national security space program. Gil I. Klinger, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and intelligence, and Douglas L. Loverro, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, appeared before […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-officials-detail-1-billion-in-space-program-savings-47630/

DefenceTalkWhile the U.S. continues to reduce its military presence in Europe, the Defense Department is conducting a review to identify more Europe-based installations and training areas to recommend for closure or realignment. Then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta directed the review in January, and results are expected by the year’s end, a senior defense official told […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-conducts-brac-like-review-in-europe-47637/

DefenceTalkRIYADH, Saudi Arabia: On his inaugural trip to the Middle East since taking office, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met here today with Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. During their talks, Hagel and his Saudi counterpart reiterated the longstanding, steadfast relationship […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-defense-partnership-anchors-us-saudi-relationship-47575/

DefenceTalkIn what Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called “a significant step in U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation,” he and his Israeli counterpart finalized an agreement today on a package of new defense capabilities the United States is offering Israel. Hagel and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon held a joint news conference at Israel’s defense headquarters, known as the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-yaalon-finalize-new-israel-military-capabilities-47553/

DefenceTalkThe four branches of the military delivered another warning to Congress April 18 that a prolonged budget sequester will significantly affect military readiness, and could leave the services unable to carry out defense strategy. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer told lawmakers sequestration has forced the cancellation of flying hours, the stand-down […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sequestration-will-affect-force-readiness-47564/